Honoring Jesse Deacon: Blackstone’s Champion of History and Heritage
Jesse Deacon: A Life Devoted to Blackstone
Jesse Deacon was more than a lifelong resident of Blackstone, Massachusetts—he was a true steward of its stories, traditions, and people. For 94 years, Jesse’s deep love for his hometown shaped every aspect of his life. He was a veteran, a historian, an animal lover, and a devoted family man who made lasting contributions to Blackstone’s identity.
A Life Rooted in Blackstone
Born in 1924 on Main Street, Jesse spent his entire life in Blackstone, eventually settling on Elm Street with his beloved wife Shirley, to whom he was married for 66 years. Together, they raised two daughters and three grandchildren in a home filled with laughter, love, and animals.
Jesse’s youth was marked by community involvement. As a young boy, he rang the steeple bell at Blackstone Federated Church every Sunday. He later served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the China Burma India Theater. There, he famously traded Red Cross goods for rides on elephants—an early sign of his lifelong love for animals and the circus.
A Passion for the Circus and Animal Life
Circuses were Jesse’s favorite obsession. He described it as his “disease,” a playful nod to how much joy he found under the big top. Jesse traveled far and wide to attend shows, from local tents to major productions. He even made trips to Sarasota, Florida, to explore circus history. At home, he raised sheep for over 40 years and cared for dalmatians and a cherished horse named Mr. South.
Devoted to History and Public Service
Jesse’s love for Blackstone went far beyond personal pride—it became his lifelong mission.
Jesse dedicated over three decades to the Blackstone Historical Commission, where his deep knowledge and unwavering commitment earned him the nickname “a walking encyclopedia” of the happenings in the town. He approached historical preservation with purpose and care, and was known for planning and executing community projects with passion and precision. In 2018, the Commission honored him with a special award recognizing his remarkable service in preserving Blackstone’s historic resources. Fittingly, and poignantly, Jesse was scheduled to attend a Commission meeting on the very day he passed away—still serving the town he loved right up to the end.
His work also extended to numerous local organizations, including:
- Daniels Farmstead Foundation
- Mendon Historic Society
- Blackstone Cemetery Corporation
- Chestnut Street Meeting House
- East Blackstone Grange
Jesse served as co-chairperson of the East Blackstone Fair from 1950 to 1961, helping to celebrate and sustain the town’s agricultural and cultural traditions. His passion for promoting local heritage never faded—in 2006, he was honored with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Tourism Award for his tireless efforts to advance tourism and share the richness of the region with others.
One of Jesse’s most meaningful contributions was his instrumental role in helping to preserve the Daniels Farmstead—a piece of Blackstone’s agricultural history that might have been lost without his advocacy. Those who worked alongside him often speak of his unwavering dedication to protecting the town’s heritage.
Jesse Deacon was widely considered a local treasure—not just in Blackstone, but in neighboring communities as well. His name carried weight, not because he sought recognition, but because of the quiet, consistent way he gave back. People still recall his stories, his quick wit, and the way he could turn even a casual conversation into a history lesson worth remembering.
He was the kind of person who showed up wholeheartedly—whether for family, friends, or civic duty. A man of deep integrity and unshakable kindness, Jesse’s impact lives on in the places he helped preserve, the lives he touched, and the example he set for what it means to be truly rooted in community.
His commitment to preserving local history wasn’t just professional—it was also deeply personal. Jesse’s great-grandfather, Daniel Simmons, built the historic Saranac Dam—a structure still visible today from a scenic overlook on Canal Street.
Honoring Jesse Deacon’s Legacy
In recognition of his lasting impact, the Town of Blackstone is dedicating a scenic riverfront site in his honor. The newly redone Jesse Deacon Overlook, located at the top of Canal Street, offers panoramic views of the Blackstone River, Monument Square, and the very dam built by his ancestor.
The idea to dedicate the overlook came from Selectman Mary Bulso, who noted that the site was a meaningful tribute to Jesse’s legacy. The dedication ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM, across from the Blackstone River Greenway parking lot.
Jesse was a true historian and a passionate voice for Blackstone’s heritage. His dedication continues to inspire all of us
Mary Bulso, Blackstone Board of Selectman
Jesse Deacon may no longer walk our streets, but his spirit still echoes in every corner of Blackstone’s past and present. His life reminds us that caring for our heritage—and each other—is the greatest gift we can leave behind. In honoring him with the Overlook, we honor the simple but profound power of a life lived in service to others.
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